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Toxocara seroprevalence in children from a subtropical city in Argentina

J M Alonso1, M V Bojanich, M Chamorro

  • 1Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Argentina. jalonso@bib.unne.edu.ar

Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|September 1, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated Toxocara infection in children from Resistencia, Argentina. Results revealed a significant seroprevalence of 37.9%, highlighting the need for public health awareness regarding this parasitic infection in smaller cities.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Toxocariasis is a neglected zoonotic disease with limited data in smaller Argentinian cities.
  • Previous research primarily focused on urban environmental contamination.
  • Understanding pediatric infection prevalence is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in children aged 1-14 in Resistencia, Argentina.
  • To identify risk factors associated with Toxocara infection in this population.
  • To contribute data on pediatric toxocariasis in non-metropolitan areas.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using E/S T. canis L2 antigens for serological testing.
  • Analysis of hematological parameters and immunoglobulin levels.
  • Stool sample examination and parental questionnaires for epidemiological data collection.

Main Results:

  • A seroprevalence of 37.9% for Toxocara infection was found among the 206 children studied.
  • High rates of dog ownership (73%) and geophagia (57%) were reported.
  • No significant differences in prevalence were observed based on sex or overall age, but specific age groups showed increased risk.

Conclusions:

  • Toxocara infection is prevalent in children in Resistencia, indicating a significant public health concern.
  • Dog ownership and geophagia are potential risk factors requiring further investigation.
  • Targeted prevention strategies may be necessary for specific pediatric age groups in smaller urban settings.

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